We’re up to the sixth article in what I call my “versus” series. Basically, after doing some research, I find out what breeds the public wants to learn more about and compare to the golden retriever. So, if you have any breeds you would like to see here, just leave me a comment below. Now we’re looking at Border Collies. But before that, we have to do our standard golden retriever recap. Just in case you forgot what you were comparing.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retriever relaxing ttps://www.totallygoldens.com/
The breed is known to be friendly and their tolerant attitude makes the golden retriever a wonderful family pet. Golden Retrievers excel at retrieving game for hunters (hence the name), tracking, sniffing out drugs, and as therapy and assistance dogs. They’re also natural athletes, and do well in dog sports such as agility and competitive obedience. So, if you want a hunting or show dog, you should definitely look into the Golden Retriever.
As mentioned before, golden retrievers make amazing family pets. But, please remember that this is a large dog breed. Golden Retrievers need lots of room to run around and get exercise. This breed does not adapt well to apartment living. If you are a new pet owner, this breed is pretty okay when it comes to temperament. However, their size may be a challenge to some newer dog owners.
This beautiful breed is also known for being highly sensitive. The sensitivity plays a role in Golden Retrievers not liking to be left alone. So, if you travel often and do not plan to take your pup with you, this may not be the breed for you.
Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs. A lot of them have long, beautiful coats. Which mean they shed. A lot. The long hair also makes them much harder to groom and they have the potential for a lot of weight gain. That’s why it is important for them to get a lot of exercise. Of course, they also have a high energy level. Golden retrievers have a high risk of cancer and don’t have the best overall health. Take care of them!
Border Collies
Border collies are so pretty. Credit: http://www.dogtime.com/
The Border Collie was developed to gather and control sheep in the hilly border country between Scotland and England. They are known for their intense stare, or “eye”, with which they control the flock. It’s a dog with unlimited energy, stamina, and working drive. The highly trainable and intelligent Border Collie also excels in various canine sports, including obedience, flyball, agility, tracking, and flying disc competitions.
This is a great breed that adapts well to apartment living. The Border Collie would be a much better choice than the Golden Retriever, if you live in an apartment. Similar to the Golden Retriever, this is also a good starter breed for new dog owners. Both breeds are also very sensitive and hate being left alone.
When it comes to friendliness, the Border Collie loves kids, the family, and even strangers. However, they are not as friendly with other pets like the Golden Retriever.
Border Collies shed a lot less than a Golden Retriever and are much easier to groom. However, their overall health ranking is not much better than the Golden Retriever.
Other similarities between the two are high energy levels, easy to train, and high intelligence.
Do you have a Border Collie or a Golden Retriever? Tell us about them in the comments below.
